Lockheed Martin delivers JCSAT-13, VINASAT-2 satellites for launch

Lockheed Martin has delivered its 100th and 101st commercial geostationary communication satellites, JCSAT-13 built for Japan’s SKY Perfect JSAT and VINASAT-2 for Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT).

Based on the company’s A2100 geosynchronous satellite series, the two satellites are being prepared for the first dual launch aboard an Ariane launch vehicle from Arianespace launch facility in Kourou, French Guiana.

Equipped with a Ku-band payload comprising 44 high-power communication channels, JCSAT-13, will offer uplink and downlink coverage over the regions of Japan, Indonesia, Middle and Near East, Southwest Asia and Oceania.

Following the launch, JCSAT-13 will be located at 124º east longitude and is mandated to meet a design life period of 15 years.

Lockheed Martin’s second satellite for VNPT, VINSAT-2, will feature 24 Ku-band channels and provide fixed satellite service to offer uplink and downlink coverage for Vietnam and its adjacent countries.

VINASAT-2, carrying additional fuel reserves to increase its manoeuvre life, will be placed at 131.8º east longitude in the geostationary orbit, while has a design life period of 15 years.

The first commercial geostationary satellite manufactured by Lockheed Martin was SATCOM 1, launched in December 1975 and since then, the company claims that its commercial geostationary satellites have offered about 1,000 years of operational services to its customers.

Image: JCSAT-13 satellite will be placed at 124º east longitude to offer coverage over Japan, Indonesia, Middle and Near East, Southwest Asia and Oceania. Photo: Lockheed Martin.